Ancelotti: More to come from Cole

Saturday 3 January 2009 00:09 BST

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti believes the "best is yet to come" from Ashley Cole after the England defender signed a new four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

The 28-year-old became the second big star to commit his future to the club in a matter of days after captain John Terry penned a five-year deal on Monday. And Ancelotti welcomed the news, predicting Cole still has more to offer for both club and country.

The Italian told the club's official website, www.chelseafc.com: "I am very happy that Ashley has committed himself to Chelsea."

He added: "He is one of the best left-backs in the world but I believe his best is yet to come.

"I am very pleased that will happen in a Chelsea shirt."

Cole has been an integral part of the Blues side since joining from Arsenal back in 2006.

The player has scored three times in 88 Premier League appearances for the Blues, including one in Saturday's 3-0 win over Burnley.

He has started every game this season under Ancelotti and is currently preparing with the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Croatia.

As well as Cole and Terry, Didier Drogba, John Mikel Obi and Florent Malouda have also signed extensions with the Stamford Bridge club recently.